BABB — Tinsel lines the walls, Christmas lights glow from every corner, and the sound of young voices fills the room as Babb School hosts its annual Christmas concert on Thursday, a tradition teachers say means even more in a school with just 23 students.
Brianna Juneau reports - watch the video:
Located roughly 30 miles outside of Browning, Babb Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Each December, the small rural school goes all out, transforming the gym into a festive winter scene and giving students a chance to celebrate the season together.
“The entire school gets to be a part of it,” said teacher 3rd – 6th grade teacher Suzanne Augare.
For teachers, the concert is about more than music, it’s about creating joy, connection, and memories for students who may not have access to large holiday events.
“We're in a small community and we don't have a lot of kids, so we like to do big things for them,” Augare explained. “Because we’re small and rural, this is something the kids look forward to all year. We decorate it to the nines and make sure every student has a moment to shine.”
Older students say the concert feels different when you grow up in such a tight-knit school.
“We do it every year, and it’s fun,” said sixth grader Jayce Flamand. “I like singing for my family when they show up.”
Teachers spend weeks rehearsing songs, setting up decorations, and preparing the space all to bring Christmas cheer to their students and the community.
“When you see their faces light up, it makes all the work worth it,” Augare said. “This is one of those moments they’ll remember.”
As the final song ended and applause filled the room, the Babb School Christmas concert once again proves that holiday spirit doesn’t depend on size, just heart.
